Lautenberg: Stevens Institute of Technology Selected as Center of Excellence to Lead Research in Maritime, Island and Port Security
Department of Homeland Security picked New Jersey college, University of Hawaii to co-lead new program

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) today announced that Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey has been selected by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to co-direct a newly established Center of Excellence for Maritime, Island and Port Security.  Stevens Institute of Technology will receive a multi-year grant of up to $2 million per year over a period of four to six years.

“The FBI has called the stretch between Port Newark and Port Elizabeth the most vulnerable two miles in America for a possible terrorist attack.   This grant will go a long way toward helping us protect our ports and infrastructure.  I look forward to working with Stevens Institute of Technology in the years ahead to improve security in New Jersey and across the world,” said Sen. Lautenberg.

Stevens Institute of Technology and the University of Hawaii -- also selected for the DHS program -- will study border security and immigration, explosives detection, mitigation and response; maritime, island and port security, natural disasters, coastal infrastructure and emergency management; and transportation security. 

Both schools will be responsible for conducting multidisciplinary research and for developing education initiatives in areas important for homeland security.  This program was authorized by Congress through passage of the SAFE Ports Act of 2006.

Sen. Lautenberg, who now chairs the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Safety, Security and Infrastructure, served on the conference committee which finalized the legislation. 

Stevens Institute of Technology is located in Hoboken, New Jersey and was founded in 1870.  Stevens is known for its engineering, science, and technological management curricula and is the fourth-oldest technological university in the United States.

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